Do you need a mock business plan, or are you looking for a skeleton example of what your business plan should include to get the attention it deserves at the bank or in front of investors? There's no true “right†or “wrong†answer when it comes to your plan, but there are some ingredients that the document must include to be taken seriously. You need to have done some serious demographic research and you have to provide a complete financial pro forma in order for a potential backer to really look at your business model. You should have an idea of the competition you will be up against, the marketing methods you could use, and the history of the industry itself. To that end, make sure that your business plan has someth8ing intelligent to say about each of the following common planning topics:
• Who are your direct and indirect competitors?
• Where are they located, what are their staffing levels, and what were their sales last year?
• How many employees do you need to have your business function optimally?
• What advertisements and promotions can you launch to have your business succeed?
• Who runs your management team? You'll need a full bio on all important members.
The business plan also requires a complete financial projection. What are the components of that? Traditionally, it should feature a revenue forecast, a break-even analysis, a cash flow projection, a balance sheet, a profit and loss statement, and a sensitivity analysis that illustrates what happens when you overreach or underperform, sales-wise. The model also usually has a monthly (January to December) look at the first year that you're in business after you receive the funding, which is typically relegated to the appendix. Need help producing this model, or want to have some assistance looking at your competitors or piecing together the market research? You're not alone. MasterPlans can develop the entire business plan for you, start to finish. Call us today at 877-453-2011.
